Abrasive Mop and A Method for Producing Such An Abrasive Mop

ABSTRACT

An abrasive mop is proposed which comprises a tube-like carrier element and is characterized by at least two annular abrasive mop segments, which are slid onto the carrier element and are connected to the carrier element by a connective medium.

This application claims priority to German patent application no. 10 2020 134 019.2 filed on Dec. 17, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

The disclosure relates to an abrasive mop and a method for producing such an abrasive mop.

A tube-like abrasive mop and a method for producing such an abrasive mop are known from practice. The abrasive mop comprises a carrier element and abrasive mop lamellae, which extend in the abrasive-mop axial and radial direction. The carrier element is a tube having a central cutout for directly or indirectly connecting a drive shaft of a tool. On an outer surface of the carrier element, connective mediums are disposed. The connective mediums center the abrasive mop segments with respect to the carrier element and simultaneously fix or secure the abrasive mop segments to the carrier element. For producing the abrasive mops known from practice in different widths or extension in the abrasive-mop axial direction, different carrier elements and abrasive lamellae are required.

The object of the invention is to provide an abrasive mop of the type described in the introduction, which can be produced flexibly in different widths/lengths and consequently can be easily adapted to suit different requirements. Furthermore, a method for producing an abrasive mop of this kind is to be provided.

The abrasive mop comprises at least two annular abrasive mop segments and a tube-like carrier element. The abrasive mop segments are slid onto the carrier element in such a manner that they are disposed adjacent to each other in the abrasive-mop axial direction. The abrasive mop segments are connected or fixed to the carrier element by a connective medium.

The modular structure of the abrasive mop allows producing the abrasive mop flexibly in different widths and lengths, thus being easily adjustable to suit different requirements.

The abrasive mop segments in particular each comprise a central ring and abrasive lamellae or polishing lamellae, which abut against the ring with their radially inward edges or also form the ring. The abrasive mop segments are slid onto the carrier element via the rings, the carrier element in particular representing a tube piece.

In an exemplary embodiment of the abrasive mop, a centering element is disposed between two adjacent abrasive mop segments. The centering element positions the abrasive mop segments with respect to the carrier element and centers the abrasive mop segments with respect to the carrier element. This ensures a circular motion of the abrasive mop on a drive shaft of a tool. The centering element is preferably formed by a ring, which is also slid onto the carrier element.

In a preferred embodiment of the abrasive mop, the abrasive mop segments each comprise an annular groove on at least one front face, the annular groove being formed by cutouts of the abrasive lamellae. The centering element is at least partially disposed in the annular grooves of adjacent abrasive mop segments, for example via the outer ring and/or the inner ring. Thus, the abrasive mop segments are positioned and centered with respect to the carrier element.

The centering element can be slid onto the carrier element. It can therefore be displaced in the abrasive-mop axial direction. Consequently, the position of the centering element can be adjusted to a width of the abrasive mop segments in the abrasive-mop axial direction.

In an exemplary embodiment of the abrasive mop, the connective medium comprises a cured resin, in particular an epoxy resin and/or a polyurethane material.

In a preferred embodiment of the abrasive mop, the tube-like carrier element of the abrasive mop has a wall having clearance holes or clearance openings. Thus, it is a perforated tube piece or a tube piece having holes. The connective medium passes through the clearance holes of the carrier element and is connected to the abrasive mop segments. Thus, the abrasive mop segments and/or the centering elements are secured and fixed to the carrier element.

During production, the connective medium passes from the tube interior toward the abrasive mop segments via the clearance holes of the carrier element, for example, where it connects thereto and subsequently hardens.

In a preferred embodiment, the abrasive mop comprises two fixing elements disposed on the ends. The fixing elements abut against the free front faces of abrasive mop segments, which are disposed on the ends, in the manner of end caps or end rings.

The fixing elements can be clamping elements of a (drive) shaft of an abrasive machine or of a tool. The abrasive mop can thus be easily mounted on an abrasive machine or be clamped on a shaft of the abrasive machine of the fixing elements.

In an exemplary embodiment of the abrasive mop, the abrasive mop segments on the ends each have a second annular groove which is disposed on a side of the corresponding abrasive mop segment opposite the first annular groove. The fixing elements, which are secured in position in the abrasive-mop axial direction with respect to the carrier element, each engage in a corresponding second annular groove, which is disposed on the free front face of the corresponding abrasive mop segment. This also secures the abrasive mop segments in the abrasive-mop axial direction.

If the fixing elements are clamping elements of abrasive machines, it is further possible to center the abrasive mop on the shaft of the abrasive machine of the fixing elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the abrasive mop, the abrasive mop segments each comprise an annular core, nearly radially protruding abrasive lamellae and side faces or front faces disposed on the ends. The axial abrasive lamellae extend nearly radially outward starting from the annular core. The annular grooves, which are formed by cutouts or recesses of the abrasive lamellae, can be formed or disposed in the side faces.

The core can be a rigid ring, to which the abrasive lamellae are fixed. The abrasive lamellae can also be glued and/or sewed to each other, an adhesive area or seam area of the abrasive lamellae forming the core or the ring.

In an exemplary embodiment of the abrasive mop, the centering element comprises an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring abuts against the carrier element and positions the centering element with respect to the carrier element. The outer ring is at least partially disposed in the annular grooves of two adjacent abrasive mop segments and positions the abrasive mop segments with respect to the centering element. Thus, the abrasive mop segments are positioned and centered with respect to the carrier element.

The inner ring is connected to the outer ring via, for example, a web or a rib.

The abrasive mop segments can each comprise an annular cutout, which is formed on their inner side. The inner ring can at least partially engage in the annular cutout of two adjacent abrasive mop segments.

In an exemplary embodiment of the abrasive mop, the annular cutouts are connected to the annular groove of the corresponding abrasive mop segment via at least one groove, which extends in the radial direction. The groove has a geometry corresponding to the web of the centering element. Consequently, adjacent abrasive mop segments abut against each other flushly on the ends despite the centering ring disposed in between.

In particular, the carrier element can be a turned part or a stamped part.

In an exemplary embodiment of the abrasive mop, the abrasive mop segments have the same and/or differing widths and extensions. The abrasive mop can thus be adapted to suit different requirements.

The abrasive mop segments are each 20 mm to 500 mm wide, for example.

In a preferred embodiment of the abrasive mop, the abrasive mop segments, in particular the lamellae of the abrasive mop segments, have the same and/or differing grit, which is disposed on a corresponding coated abrasive. This allows the abrasive mop to be adapted to suit different requirements.

Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for producing an abrasive mop. The method comprises the following steps:

-   -   a) selecting a carrier element from a plurality of carrier         elements;     -   b) selecting at least two abrasive mop segments from a plurality         of abrasive mop segments;     -   c) sliding the at least two abrasive mop segments onto the         tube-like carrier element;     -   d) pouring a connective medium in the clearance holes of the         carrier element from the interior of the carrier element toward         the abrasive mop segments; and     -   e) curing of the connective medium.

The method thus allows flexibly producing abrasive mops having differing widths/lengths.

In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the at least two abrasive mop segments are slid onto the carrier element until they meet an abutment. The abrasive mop segments are slid onto the carrier element in such a manner that adjacent abrasive mop segments abut against each other in the abrasive-mop axial direction.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, at least one centering element is slid onto the carrier element in such a manner that it is disposed between and abuts against two adjacent abrasive mop segments.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the centering element is slid onto the carrier element in such a manner that an outer ring of the centering element is disposed in an annular groove of a first abrasive mop segment of adjacent abrasive mop segments. An inner ring of the centering element is connected to the outer ring via at least one outer ring extending radially.

In an exemplary embodiment of the method, a fixing element is slid onto both ends of the carrier element after step c) or after step e). By sliding the fixing element onto the carrier element, the abrasive mop segments are additionally secured on the carrier element.

The fixing elements can be slid onto the carrier element in such a manner that they abut against the abrasive mop segments on the ends in the abrasive-mop axial direction. Consequently, the abrasive mop segments are fixed on the carrier element and secured from becoming displaced with respect to the carrier element in the abrasive-mop axial direction.

The fixing element can be a clamping element of a tool. Thus, the abrasive mop can be connected or mounted on the tool machine by sliding the fixing elements on the carrier element. The abrasive mop segments, which are selected from a plurality of abrasive mop segments as intended in step b), can have differing widths or lengths in the abrasive-mop axial direction. Thus, the abrasive mop segments can be adapted so as to comply with the corresponding requirements.

In step b), abrasive mop segments having different abrading properties, in particular having differing grit, can also be selected. Consequently, the abrasive mop can be further adapted to meet corresponding requirements.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the plurality of carrier elements, of which a carrier element is selected as intended in step a), comprises carrier elements of differing widths or lengths in the abrasive-mop axial direction. Thus, the width of the abrasive mop can be flexibly adapted to suit corresponding requirements.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention's subject matter can be derived from the description, the drawing and the claims.

Exemplary embodiments of abrasive mops according to the invention are illustrated in a schematically simplified manner and are described in more detail in the following description.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an abrasive mop in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the abrasive mop of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the abrasive mop of FIG. 1 along cutting plane in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an abrasive mop segment of the abrasive mop of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a centering element of the abrasive mop of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 shows a side view of an abrasive mop as intended by an alternative embodiment.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of an abrasive mop 2. The abrasive mop 2 comprises two annular abrasive mop segments 4 and 6, which are slid onto a carrier element 8, which is formed by a tube piece, in such a manner that they abut against one another in the direction of an axis 24 of abrasive mop 2 (referred to as “abrasive-mop axial direction” in the following).

A ring-like centering element 12, which radially positions and centers abrasive mop segments 4 and 6 with respect to carrier element 8, is disposed between both abrasive mop segments 4 and 6. Abrasive mop 2 comprises a fixing element on each end in the form of an axial securing ring 18, which abuts against a corresponding abrasive mop segment 4 or 6. Axial securing ring 18 fixes and secures abrasive mop segments 4 and 6 and centering ring 12 on carrier element 8 against becoming displaced in the abrasive-mop axial direction.

Carrier element 8 is a tube having a central cutout 30 for being directly or indirectly connecting a drive shaft (not illustrated) of a tool or an abrasive machine. On the circumference side, carrier element 8 comprises a plurality of clearance holes 16. For fixing abrasive mop segments 4 and 6 on carrier element 8, a connective medium 10 is poured toward abrasive mop segments 4 and 6 through clearance holes 16 from central cutout 30 of carrier element 8 when producing abrasive mop 2. Connective medium 10 is a resin, in particular an epoxy resin. Connective medium 10 soaks a radially inner edge area of abrasive mop segments 4 and 6, which abuts against carrier element 8, and then hardens. Abrasive mop segments 4 and 6 are thus substance-bonded to carrier element and fixed thereto. Centering element 12 is also substance-bonded to carrier element 8 by means connective medium 10.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of abrasive mop segment 4. The embodiment of abrasive mop segment 6 corresponds to the embodiment of abrasive mop segment 4. Consequently, a description of abrasive mop segment 6 is not necessary.

Abrasive mop segment 4 is annular in shape and comprises axial abrasive lamellae 26, which each comprise a coated abrasive having abrasive grit disposed thereon or grit disposed thereon. Abrasive lamellae 26 are glued to each other in a connective area 34, which form an abrasive-mop-segment core. Connective area 34 is disposed on an end of abrasive lamellae 26, which extends inward in a radial direction. Abrasive mop segment 4 comprises a central cutout 36. An inner surface of abrasive mop segment 4, which defines central cutout 36, abuts against a circumferential surface of carrier element 8. Abrasive mop segment 4 comprises an annular groove 14 on each end.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, centering element 12 comprises an inner ring 20 and an outer ring 22. Inner ring 20 and outer ring 22 are connected to each other via at least three webs 32 or ribs, which extend radially. Outer ring 22 is disposed in ring grooves 14 of adjacent abrasive mop segments 4 and 6, ring grooves 14 being formed by cutouts of abrasive lamellae 26, and radially positions abrasive mop segments 4 and 6 with respect to centering element 12. Inner ring 20 abuts against carrier element 8 and radially positions centering element 12 with respect to carrier element 8. Thus, abrasive mop segments 4 and 6 are centered with regard to carrier element 8.

Axial securing rings 18 each have a radial collar 38 and a sleeve 40, which axially extends outward. The outer surface of radial collar 38 abuts against the inner surface of carrier element 8. Sleeve 40 abuts against a corresponding abrasive mop segment 4 or 6 on the ends. Sleeve 40 has a U-shaped end area 42, which corresponds to annular grooves 14. The U-shaped end area is disposed in a corresponding annular groove 14. This allows securing abrasive mop segments 4 and 6 and centering element 12 on carrier element 8 in the abrasive-mop axial direction.

In FIG. 6, another embodiment of an abrasive mop 46 is illustrated. Abrasive mop 46 corresponds to abrasive mop 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, with the exception of the embodiment of the abrasive mop segments.

Abrasive mop 46 comprises three abrasive mop segments 48, 50 and 52. Both abrasive mop segments 48 and 50 are shorter in the abrasive-mop axial direction than abrasive mop segment 52. Both abrasive mop segments 48 and 52 have abrasive lamellae having the same grit, whereas abrasive mop segment 50 has abrasive lamellae having a differing grit than the grit mentioned above.

As noted above, it should be appreciated that various other modifications and variations to the preferred embodiments can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the described embodiments. To ascertain the full scope of the invention, the following claims should be referenced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   2 abrasive mop -   4 abrasive mop segment -   6 abrasive mop segment -   8 carrier element -   10 connective medium -   12 centering element -   14 annular groove -   16 clearance hole -   18 axial securing ring -   20 inner ring -   22 outer ring -   34 axis -   26 abrasive lamella -   30 central cutout -   32 web -   34 connective area -   36 central cutout -   38 collar -   40 sleeve -   42 U-shaped end area -   46 abrasive mop -   48 abrasive mop segment -   50 abrasive mop segment -   52 abrasive mop segment 

1. An abrasive mop, comprising a tube-like carrier element, characterized by at least two annular abrasive mop segments, which are slid onto the carrier element and are connected to the carrier element by a connective medium.
 2. The abrasive mop according to claim 1, characterized in that a centering element is disposed between adjacent abrasive mop segments in order to position the abrasive mop segments with respect to the carrier element.
 3. The abrasive mop according to claim 2, characterized in that the abrasive mop segments each have an annular groove and the centering element is at least partially disposed in the annular grooves of adjacent abrasive mop segments.
 4. The abrasive mop according to claim 1, characterized in that the connective medium comprises a resin.
 5. The abrasive mop according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier element comprises a wall having clearance holes, the connective medium passing through the clearance holes and being connected to the abrasive mop segments.
 6. The abrasive mop according to claim 1, characterized by two fixing elements, which are disposed on the ends and abut against abrasive mop segments on the ends in the abrasive-mop axial direction.
 7. The abrasive mop according to claim 1, characterized in that the abrasive mop segments each comprise an annular core, abrasive lamellae and side surfaces disposed on the ends.
 8. The abrasive mop according to claim 2, characterized in that the centering element comprises an inner ring for positioning the centering element with respect to the carrier element and an outer ring, which is connected to the inner ring, for positioning the abrasive mop segments with respect to the centering element, the inner ring abutting against the carrier element and the outer ring being disposed at least partially in the annular grooves of adjacent abrasive mop segments.
 9. The abrasive mop according to claim 1, characterized in that the abrasive mop segments are between 20 mm and 500 mm wide.
 10. A method for producing an abrasive mop, the method comprising the following steps: a) selecting a carrier element from a plurality of carrier elements; b) selecting at least two abrasive mop segments from a plurality of abrasive mop segments; c) sliding the at least two abrasive mop segments onto the tube-like carrier element; d) pouring a connective medium in the clearance holes of the carrier element from the interior of the carrier element toward the abrasive mop segments; and e) curing of the connective medium.
 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the abrasive mop segments are slid onto the carrier element in such a manner that they each abut against an adjacent abrasive mop segment.
 12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one centering element is slid onto the carrier element in such a manner that it is disposed between two adjacent abrasive mop segments.
 13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that a fixing element is slid onto each end of the carrier element in such a manner after step c) or step e) that it abuts against a corresponding abrasive mop segment disposed on the ends in the abrasive-mop axial direction.
 14. The abrasive mop according to claim 4, characterized in that the resin is an epoxy resin and/or a polyurethane material. 